NFL Week 15 playoff picture: Clinching scenarios, standings

On By Littum

With just four weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season, the playoffs are becoming clearer. Seven teams have already been eliminated from the postseason, while four more have already clinched spots: the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Bills and Chiefs won their division titles in Weeks 13 and 14, respectively, while the Lions are in a close race with the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North crown. The Eagles and Houston Texans can secure their division titles this weekend, but the AFC North, NFC South and NFC West are very much on the line.

Let’s take a look at Week 15 scenarios for five teams.

More NFL playoff run coverage:
Projection of the final seeding
FPI ratings for each team
Expected 2025 draft order

Week 15 playoff-clinching scenarios in the AFC

Matchups: at Philadelphia Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

Here’s how the Steelers can clinch a spot in the playoffs:

  • Win or draw OR

  • Miami loss or tie at Houston (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Indianapolis loss or tie at Denver (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Matchups: vs. Miami Sunday, at 13 ET, CBS

How the Texans can clinch a playoff spot and the AFC South:

Week 15 playoff scenarios in the NFC

Matchups: vs. Chicago Monday at 8 p.m. ET, Fox

Here’s how the Vikings can clinch a playoff spot:

Matchups: vs. Pittsburgh Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Eagles can win the NFC East:

Matchups: at Seattle Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

Here’s how the Packers can clinch a spot in the playoffs:

NFL playoff games as things stand

AFC

NFC